Gordon Gravelle
How do you go from a career in the NFL where you were on the field for one of the most memorable NFL plays ever, “The Immaculate Reception, playing in three Super Bowls and being a two-time Super Bowl Champion…. Well, if you are this year’s Community Leader inductee, Gordon Gravelle, you parlay your success on the gridiron to a Hall of Fame career in business and community leadership.
Gordon and his young family moved to Antioch in the late 1970’s while still playing in the NFL and acquired the Antioch Municipal Airport and immediately became part of the community. He sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt for physically and developmentally challenged children where the Easter Rabbit would jump from an airplane (with parachute) and meet all the children there, so they could have their own Easter Egg hunt.
After retiring from the NFL Gordon immersed himself in his businesses focusing on real estate development, building and financial services. He joined the Rotary Club in 1982 which commenced 40 years of service accomplishing many worthwhile endeavors and fund raising. He served as a Director and President of the Antioch Rotary and guided the local chapter into holding their first annual golf tournament which still is going strong almost 30 years later. The tournament has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the years that have been donated to various charities in the community. He also served as Director of the Rotary’s International Vision Program that built facilities in Zambia, Africa and Mulege, Mexico. He has been honored by the local and International Rotary clubs for his leadership, guidance and service.
From 1987-96 he served as a Director of the Delta Memorial Hospital Foundation and as President in 1995. Under Gravelle’s guidance he spearheaded the hospital’s expansion in 1987, which included a Gala Fundraiser featuring Bob Hope, Red Skelton and Susan Akin, the reigning Miss America. The campaign raised enough funds to expand the hospital. Near the end of his tenure with Delta Memorial he was deeply involved in the negotiations for the merger with Sutter Health.
In 1991 he headed up the effort to build the Youth Sports Complex on Wilbur Avenue. His leadership, insight, planning and fundraising resulted in the completion of the nearly $2 Million project. One of his personal greatest accomplishments.
He served many years on the Lone Tree Golf Course Board and his leadership led to the expansion of the Pro Shop and the building of what is now the entire Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center. His love of golf also brought him to the 1st Tee of California benefiting and teaching the youth of the local community the game of golf. He served as Board Chairman and Director for many years.
Gordon served on the Delta Advocacy Board that over the years raised nearly $10 Million Dollars for the City of Antioch. He was an assistant football coach and longtime supporter and donor of Antioch High School Sports and Music Programs.
Since the inception of the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, Gordon has been one of the greatest advocates, supporters and volunteers for the program. He was co-MC of 11 Induction Galas, raised $10,000 for the building of the “Antioch to the Pros” wall in the museum and in 2017 was awarded the prestigious Founder’s Award, the same year his daughter Kris was inducted into the Sports Legends Hall of Fame.
In 2012, Gordon was inducted into the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame for his prowess on the gridiron where he was the Western Athletic Conference Lineman of the Year, 2nd Team All-American and drafted in the second round of the NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 2018, The Antioch Chamber of Commerce recognized Gordon as its Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement. He has received special recognition from Congressman Jerry McNerney, Assemblymen, Tom Torlakson and James Frazier, and Supervisor Diane Burgis.
Gordon and his lovely wife Molly now reside in Alamo. He has three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University and his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.
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